Manatee County Government will host county officials and community members at two public events scheduled next week, one related to animal welfare services and the other related to a future countywide trail system.
On June 17, county officials will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Animal Welfare Resource Center at 401 17th Ave. W. in Bradenton. The facility will serve as the home of the CARE Program (Community Animal Resource & Enhancement), a new initiative intended to expand access to veterinary services for underserved residents and animal populations throughout Manatee County.
According to county information, the CARE Program will provide spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and basic wellness services to qualifying residents, rescue organizations, and high-need animal populations. The county estimates the program could directly benefit between 1,000 and 2,000 residents and between 2,500 and 4,000 animals annually while helping reduce pet surrenders and shelter intake.
The center's development was supported through a proposed $305,750 grant from the Bishop-Parker Foundation, which remains subject to formal acceptance by the Board of County Commissioners and execution of related agreements. The facility also received support through a previously accepted $50,000 grant from the Manatee Community Foundation for the purchase of veterinary equipment.
The following day, on June 18, officials will participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gateway Greenway Trail at 17915 Waterline Service Road. The event will mark the start of construction on the initial phase of what county officials describe as the county's first countywide trail system.
The Gateway Greenway Trail is planned as a regional multi-modal corridor that will ultimately connect Palmetto and Parrish while linking communities, parks, preserves, and recreational destinations throughout Manatee County. Future extensions south of State Road 64 along Bournside Boulevard are expected to connect with trail facilities developed by private partners as part of a broader regional trail network.
County officials have described the project as a multi-phase initiative designed to improve connectivity, expand recreational opportunities, support active transportation, and create a connected trail network throughout the county.
The Animal Welfare Resource Center ribbon-cutting is scheduled for 9 a.m. June 17, while the Gateway Greenway Trail groundbreaking is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. June 18.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org
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David Daniels
Hats off to Manatee county for both of these quality of life projects. It is our local government who listened to residents and worked to win the grants to make Manatee a better place to live. Home rule is the best government.
Saturday, June 13 Report this
serenowens
Actually Moccasin Wallow road was a pretty scenic route! The canals along the sides were full of wild flowers and farm fields had colorful cabbages. This was just another of many destructions of Agriculture in Manatee County. All this development will eventually become a burden to the taxpayer after the developer has long gone.
Sunday, June 14 Report this